Slovenia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. In the first 5 months of 2016, the number of tourists was up 8 % year-on-year. The Municipality of Piran has meanwhile restored the famous Fornače Beach.

In the first 5 months of 2016, the number of tourists visiting Slovenia was up 8 percent compared to the same period last year, the Statistics Office reports. Factors that contributed to this meteoric rise include the quality of local services, the perception that Slovenia is a safe country, and an ever-growing range of amenities.

Piran’s famous Fornače Beach has been thoroughly restored after months of work. The beach is partly sandy and partly concrete, and is accessible to people with disabilities. “It’s great for sunbathing, strolling, and lounging around. A belt of beachside trees provides the necessary shade on hot days,” said Karmen Pines, the Head of Investment at the Municipality of Piran.

Wooden platforms for sunbathing
The beach has wooden platforms for sunbathing, and a promenade and a bicycle trail run behind the beach. Apart from being a tourist attraction, the newly restored beach will also serve as a recreational and social hub for the town.

Piran’s Central Beach also offers visitors a broad range of amenities to make their stay a memorable one. They can even borrow books on the beach. “Visitors borrow around 15 to 20 books a day on average, and it’s not even high season yet,” said Simon Maršič, who is in charge of the project.

If lolling around the beach isn’t your cup of tea …
If sunbathing, swimming, playing volleyball, and reading aren’t your idea of fun, Simon’s Bay and the nearby archaeological park might be more up your alley. The remains of a Roman villa can be seen from dry land or underwater. In July and August, licensed scuba diving instructors will offer visitors an opportunity to explore the site (every Tuesday or call for an appointment). “You can see the remains of a Roman pier that is part of the villa. We’re now working on adding more amenities to attract visitors,” said Predrag Ljubotina, adding that Slovenia’s first underwater archaeological museum is immensely popular with tourists: “Last year, more than 100 visitors dove to see the underwater remains.”

Lea Širok, Radio Koper; translated by D.V.